UREC

Congratulations to UREC's marketing team for earning two 2026 NIRSA Creative Excellence Awards. 🏆

The Spring 2025 Hiring Campaign, led by Dori Havens, received the Integrated Marketing Campaign Award for showcasing the meaningful opportunities for students to learn, lead and grow through employment at UREC. The campaign inspired hundreds of students to apply and become part of our community.

The Experiential & Pop-Up Activation Campaign, led by Sarah Handel, was recognized for engaging students through fun, interactive experiences that encouraged movement, connection and well-being across campus.

As recent graduates, Dori and Sarah leave a lasting legacy at UREC. We are proud to see their creativity, leadership and impact recognized on a national stage. Thank you to everyone who helped bring these award-winning campaigns to life! 💜

Join us in congratulating graduate student Parth Dheeraj Bhatia on his Next Step in Sports and Rec! Parth is pursuing his Master of Science in Sport & Recreation Leadership with a Campus Recreation Concentration and working as a Graduate Assistant for Sport Clubs. This summer, Parth is serving as a Campus Recreation Leadership Intern at James Madison University. Congratulations, Parth!

Join us in congratulating 2026 graduate Emma Bacon on her Next Step in Sports and Rec! Emma is headed to the University of Georgia to serve as the Senior Coordinator for Competitive Sports. Emma will graduate from JMU in August 2026 with a Bachelor's in Sport and Recreation Management and a minor in Business Management. At UREC, she has served as an Intramural Sports Official and a Camp UREC Counselor. Congratulations, Emma!

Join us in congratulating graduate student Kate Terry (‘25) on her next step in Sports and Rec! Kate is interning at East Tennessee State University Campus Recreation over the summer. At JMU, Kate is pursuing a Master’s in Sport and Recreation Leadership with a Campus Recreation Concentration. She has served as an Operations Supervisor, Recreation Manager, and Event Operations Specialist, and is currently UREC’s Graduate Assistant for Operations and Student Development. Congratulations, Kate!

University Recreation (UREC) is currently seeking applicants for the Facilities Manager to provide maintenance oversight for UREC's indoor and outdoor satellite facilities, ensuring safe, functional, and program-ready environments that support recreation programs, sport competitions, special events, and university engagement.
Learn more:

UREC Facilities Manager - Harrisonburg, Virginia, United States Working Title: UREC Facilities Manager State Role Title: Trades Technician III Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified) Position Status: Full-Time FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime College/Division: Health and Wellbeing Department: 300034 - University Recreation (UREC) Pay Band: 3 Pa...

Join us in congratulating 2026 graduate Erika Shaffer on her Next Step in Sports and Rec! Erika is headed to Clemson University to seek a Master’s in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management and serve as a Graduate Assistant of Facility Operations and Events. Erika graduated with a Bachelor’s in Health Sciences with minors in Pre-Athletic Training and Coaching Education. At UREC, she served as Event Operations Specialist, Recreation Manager, and Operations Supervisor. Congratulations, Erika!

Join us in congratulating 2026 graduate Benjamin Kantsiper on his Next Step in Sports and Rec! Benjamin is headed to Eastern New Mexico University to serve as the Coordinator of Intramurals and Recreation. During his time at JMU, he received his Bachelor’s in Sport and Recreation Management and served as a Site Manager at UREC. Congratulations, Ben!

Congratulations to our Sport Club athletes! We are so proud of you making your mark on our community and representing JMU. Go Dukes!

JMU’s University Recreation Center (UREC) has been named a Virginia Top Employer for Interns for the third year in a row by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV).

UREC was recognized for providing hands-on experiences, direct access to senior leadership, structured mentorship and industry certifications that equip students with real-world, in-demand skills.

We’re proud that UREC is a national leader in student development in collegiate recreation and one of the largest student employers on campus.

The Valley is calling...4 days, 3 nights, new friends, and an unforgettable adventure! 🌄
Camp under the stars, climb, hike, paddle, and kick off your JMU journey.
Learn more: https://www.jmu.edu/recreation/activities/adventure/moat.shtml